The man’s snort filled the phone’s speaker. “How’s it going with the missus?”
“Fine,” Gabe barely controlled his rising temper. “It would be even better if you’d quit being such a dick and just answer the fucking question.”
“That good, huh?” Nate chuckled.
“Seriously, Nate. I am not in the mood for this shit.”
“Just playing, man. Keep your panties on.” There was a slight hesitation before Nate added, “On second thought, maybe you should take them off. Probably be a lot less grumpy if you did.”
“Nathan, I swear to Christ…”
“Okay, jeesh.” The smartass sighed loudly. “I pulled up the feed showing every entrance and exit into your apartment complex, as well as the building you live in. Walker is clearly seen driving a dark, four-door sedan through the east entrance, parking next to your assigned spot, and then leaving the way he came a little over an hour later. Guy didn’t even try hiding his face.”
Motherfucker.“Traffic cams pick up where he went to after he left?”
“Sort of.”
“What the fuck do you mean, sort of?” Gabe cringed at the harsh bite of his tone. He had no business taking it out on the guy. Not when all Nate was trying to do was help.
But other man didn’t miss a beat. “I was able to follow Walker for about half a mile, but I lost him when he turned down a side street where there aren’t any cameras installed.”
“What about after? No one just vanishes into thin air.”
“Except our guy. That’s what the asshole does, right? Drops in, stirs shit up, and then disappears without a fucking trace?”
He had a point. Still, something told Gabe this time was different. “I think he’s close.”
“To us?”
“To me.”
A few seconds passed before Nate asked, “Why do you say that?”
“The way Walker acted when he was at my place left my gut twisted into goddamn knots. Like maybe this time is…different somehow.” Gabe scrubbed his chin. “Fuck, I don’t know. Maybe I’m seeing shit that isn’t there.”
“Doubt it. I just wish like hell I’d been with you. I’d love the chance to dole out some payback on the bastard.”
Another rush of guilt settled like a lead ball in the pit of Gabe’s stomach.
“Yeah, about that.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I fucked up. I had him, and I let him go. But I promise you, it won’t happen a second time.”
“Dude fuck that apology bullshit. Separated or not, she’s still your wife. And while I plan on putting a bullet into Walker’s head the first chance I get for what he did to Gracie, I understand why you didn’t.”
I’ll be damned.“Yeah?”
“Hell yeah. Listen, Gabe. I don’t know the whole story with Ellena, or why you never told any of us you were married, and I’m not asking for it.”
“Why not?”
After what Walker did to Nate’s wife, the man sure as hell had the right to know. They all did.
“Figured you’d share that interesting tidbit if and when you’re ready.”
The pressure in his chest began to ease. “Thanks, man.”
“No thanks necessary. Just know if you ever do want to talk about it, Bravo’s here for you.”
Gabe closed his eyes and nodded. “Appreciate it.”
